HEALTH
6 min
10 Dog Neutering Myths Debunked by a Veterinarian!
Neutering is a big decision for every dog parent. Dr. Rohit J debunks 10 common myths about neutering & its effects so you can make an informed choice for your dog.
Table of contents
In our previous articles, we have already walked through how to decide whether to neuter your dog or not and what a dog neutering surgery and post-operative care can be like. But what happens next? Will your dog change? And if so, how soon? Will it affect their behaviour? Weight? Emotions? Energy levels?
In this article, let’s bust some of the most common myths about neutered dogs and understand the real truth, backed by science, so we can set realistic expectations about life after neutering.
In this article, let’s bust some of the most common myths about neutered dogs and understand the real truth, backed by science, so we can set realistic expectations about life after neutering.
1) Will My Dog Gain Weight After Being Neutered?
Yes, it is possible. Neutering a dog affects the hormones that control metabolism, and this can lead to weight gain if your dog’s diet and activity levels aren’t adjusted. However, the neuter surgery itself does not cause weight gain, just the dog’s energy needs that change afterwards.
What Research Tells Us:
Research shows that neutered dogs, especially males, can gain weight if their calories are not adjusted (Scarlett et al., 1991).
To prevent this, reduce food portions by 10-20% after surgery and maintain regular exercise. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight during the first few months, and if needed, switch to a lower-energy diet through a canine nutritionist or commercially available foods.
2) Does Neutering Fix ALL Behaviour Problems?
Not really. A neutered dog can show reduced hormone-drive behaviours like roaming, marking, or persistent humping, especially in males. But it won’t fix all behaviour issues. Humping can happen during play or due to frustration. Some behaviours, such as barking, chewing, and aggression, are influenced by their environment, socialisation, and training.
What Research Tells Us:
Studies show that while neutering can reduce behaviours like urine marking and roaming (Neilson et al., 1997), it won’t eliminate learned or environmental behaviours.
If your dog’s having issues with things like anxiety or aggression, it is better to address them through dog training or behaviour modification with the help of a certified expert.
What Research Tells Us:
Research shows that neutered dogs, especially males, can gain weight if their calories are not adjusted (Scarlett et al., 1991).
To prevent this, reduce food portions by 10-20% after surgery and maintain regular exercise. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight during the first few months, and if needed, switch to a lower-energy diet through a canine nutritionist or commercially available foods.
2) Does Neutering Fix ALL Behaviour Problems?
Not really. A neutered dog can show reduced hormone-drive behaviours like roaming, marking, or persistent humping, especially in males. But it won’t fix all behaviour issues. Humping can happen during play or due to frustration. Some behaviours, such as barking, chewing, and aggression, are influenced by their environment, socialisation, and training.
What Research Tells Us:
Studies show that while neutering can reduce behaviours like urine marking and roaming (Neilson et al., 1997), it won’t eliminate learned or environmental behaviours.
If your dog’s having issues with things like anxiety or aggression, it is better to address them through dog training or behaviour modification with the help of a certified expert.
3) Will Neutering Change My Dog's Personality?
No, neutering will not change who your dog is. If your dog is calm, playful, or independent before neutering, they will still be the same after the surgery. However, for a neutered dog, some hormone-driven such as sexually-motivated humping or nesting behaviours can be reduced.
What Research Tells Us:
Personality is shaped by genetics, early experiences, and environment, not hormones (McGreevy et al., 2018). Some pet parents may notice their dog being calmer post-surgery, but that’s more about hormones settling down, not a personality overhaul. If you notice major changes, it could be more about recovery or post-operative stress than the neutering itself and might warrant a discussion with your vet.
4) Is It Cruel or Unnatural to Neuter a Dog?
While it’s “natural” for dogs to breed, allowing them to do so freely in today’s world can cause serious problems like overpopulation, disease and preventable suffering. Neutering is a responsible choice, especially in places with many stray or unwanted animals.
What Research Tells Us:
Veterinary organisations globally, including WSAVA (2019) and AVMA (2020), support neutering as a key part of animal welfare. It helps prevent overpopulation, which can lead to neglect or euthanasia. In urban areas, where many dogs can’t breed safely, neutering plays an important role in responsible pet ownership and disease prevention.
What Research Tells Us:
Personality is shaped by genetics, early experiences, and environment, not hormones (McGreevy et al., 2018). Some pet parents may notice their dog being calmer post-surgery, but that’s more about hormones settling down, not a personality overhaul. If you notice major changes, it could be more about recovery or post-operative stress than the neutering itself and might warrant a discussion with your vet.
4) Is It Cruel or Unnatural to Neuter a Dog?
While it’s “natural” for dogs to breed, allowing them to do so freely in today’s world can cause serious problems like overpopulation, disease and preventable suffering. Neutering is a responsible choice, especially in places with many stray or unwanted animals.
What Research Tells Us:
Veterinary organisations globally, including WSAVA (2019) and AVMA (2020), support neutering as a key part of animal welfare. It helps prevent overpopulation, which can lead to neglect or euthanasia. In urban areas, where many dogs can’t breed safely, neutering plays an important role in responsible pet ownership and disease prevention.
5) Do Dogs Get Upset About Being Neutered?
No, dogs do not experience complex emotions like resentment. After surgery, your dog may seem a little bit more withdrawn or tired, but that will likely be due to recovery discomfort, not signs of emotional betrayal.
What Research Tells Us:
Any signs of withdrawal post-surgery are probably due to discomfort or recovery fatigue (Bensky et al., 2013). Dogs are not reflective and don’t grieve the way we might imagine. They live in the moment, and once they have healed, they will be back to their usual selves.
6) Is Neutering Painful for Dogs?
No, neutering is a routine, low-risk surgery that’s performed by veterinarians every day. Dogs are given anaesthesia and pain relief to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. While complications can happen, they’re rare when proper care is followed.
What Research Tells Us:
The risk of complications is very low, and most dogs recover quickly with minimal issues (Kustritz, 2007).
Follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions carefully, and report any concerns or unusual symptoms immediately. Your dog will typically be back to normal in about 10–14 days.
What Research Tells Us:
Any signs of withdrawal post-surgery are probably due to discomfort or recovery fatigue (Bensky et al., 2013). Dogs are not reflective and don’t grieve the way we might imagine. They live in the moment, and once they have healed, they will be back to their usual selves.
6) Is Neutering Painful for Dogs?
No, neutering is a routine, low-risk surgery that’s performed by veterinarians every day. Dogs are given anaesthesia and pain relief to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. While complications can happen, they’re rare when proper care is followed.
What Research Tells Us:
The risk of complications is very low, and most dogs recover quickly with minimal issues (Kustritz, 2007).
Follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions carefully, and report any concerns or unusual symptoms immediately. Your dog will typically be back to normal in about 10–14 days.
7) Should A Dog Have a Litter Before Being Spayed?
No, there is no medical or behavioural reason to mate your dog before neutering them. In fact, mating your dog can increase health risks for your dog. Female dogs, if mated early, can often have complications in the birthing process, which can put them at risk. While delaying neutering has shown some advantages, mating is not necessary.
Moreover, mating your dog without a proper dog breeding license is illegal in India.
What Research Tells Us:
Breeding a dog once doesn’t benefit their health. Dogs don’t need to become mothers to feel fulfilled. Spaying at the right time keeps them healthier and prevents suffering for your dog in the long run.
8) Can Neutering Make a Dog More Fearful or Anxious?
Yes, neutering can increase fear or anxiety issues if the neutered dog already had these issues. Some studies suggest that early neutering might increase the risk of anxiety or fear-based behaviours, especially in certain breeds. However, these results are mixed, and many factors such as environment, training, and socialisation tend to play a bigger role than the neutering surgery itself.
What Research Tells Us:
Some research found that a neutered dog, especially if neutered at a young age, may have higher anxiety scores (Farhoody et al., 2018; McGreevy et al., 2018). But these issues can often be managed with proper training and support. Every dog is different, so if your dog is sensitive or has an existing behavioural issue, discuss the timing of neutering with your vet and behaviourist.
Moreover, mating your dog without a proper dog breeding license is illegal in India.
What Research Tells Us:
Breeding a dog once doesn’t benefit their health. Dogs don’t need to become mothers to feel fulfilled. Spaying at the right time keeps them healthier and prevents suffering for your dog in the long run.
8) Can Neutering Make a Dog More Fearful or Anxious?
Yes, neutering can increase fear or anxiety issues if the neutered dog already had these issues. Some studies suggest that early neutering might increase the risk of anxiety or fear-based behaviours, especially in certain breeds. However, these results are mixed, and many factors such as environment, training, and socialisation tend to play a bigger role than the neutering surgery itself.
What Research Tells Us:
Some research found that a neutered dog, especially if neutered at a young age, may have higher anxiety scores (Farhoody et al., 2018; McGreevy et al., 2018). But these issues can often be managed with proper training and support. Every dog is different, so if your dog is sensitive or has an existing behavioural issue, discuss the timing of neutering with your vet and behaviourist.
9) Is It Better to Spay a Dog Before or After the First Heat?
The ideal time to spay your dog will depend on their breed and overall health. For most dogs, spaying before their heat can prevent reproductive cancers and eliminate the risk of uterine or ovarian diseases. However, in larger breeds, early neutering might increase the risk of joint problems, so timing is important.
What Research Tells Us:
Research shows that early spaying can reduce the risk of mammary cancers in dogs but may increase the risk of joint problems in larger breeds (Beauvais et al., 2012; Hart et al., 2014). Smaller breeds generally benefit from early spay/neuter, but for larger dogs, it’s best to talk to your vet about the right timing.
10) Does Neutering Reduce the Risk of Cancer?
Neutering significantly reduces the risk of reproductive cancers such as testicular, uterine or ovarian cancers since the organs are removed. However, it may slightly increase the risks of other cancers, depending on your dog’s breed and age.
What Research Tells Us:
While neutering does reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, some studies suggest it can increase the risk of cancers like osteosarcoma in certain breeds (Torres de la Riva et al., 2013; Cooley et al., 2002). Neutering has its benefits, but it’s important to consider the breed-specific risks as well and individualise the decision to your dog.
What Research Tells Us:
Research shows that early spaying can reduce the risk of mammary cancers in dogs but may increase the risk of joint problems in larger breeds (Beauvais et al., 2012; Hart et al., 2014). Smaller breeds generally benefit from early spay/neuter, but for larger dogs, it’s best to talk to your vet about the right timing.
10) Does Neutering Reduce the Risk of Cancer?
Neutering significantly reduces the risk of reproductive cancers such as testicular, uterine or ovarian cancers since the organs are removed. However, it may slightly increase the risks of other cancers, depending on your dog’s breed and age.
What Research Tells Us:
While neutering does reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, some studies suggest it can increase the risk of cancers like osteosarcoma in certain breeds (Torres de la Riva et al., 2013; Cooley et al., 2002). Neutering has its benefits, but it’s important to consider the breed-specific risks as well and individualise the decision to your dog.
Final Thoughts
The decision of whether to spay your dog or not is a deeply personal one- there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It should be governed by your dog's health, behaviour, and lifestyle. It is best to be made after a proper conversation with your dog's veterinarian and a certified behaviourist (especially if your dog has behavioural issues). Do not let myths or random advice from the internet sway you. Neutering can have an impact on your dog’s long-term health and behaviour, so make sure you’re choosing based on facts, not fear.
Happy pet parenting!
Happy pet parenting!
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